Knowledgebase
Baby hemlock tree dying in the heat? #759104
Asked June 29, 2021, 3:18 PM EDT
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for the images of the damaged conifer seedling. The recent excessive temperatures and direct sunlight has been ravaging numerous plants, both recently planted and those that are well-established. Your sapling may not survive. If so, consider re-planting this fall,
Right now, the remedies are two:
1. Sufficient soil water.
2. Temporary shade.
RE water:
a. If the tree was planted within the past year, the rootball is still too small to support it during this heat wave. Water as often as needed, as often as every several days, both directly to the rootball and outward to 18 inches beyond the trunk.
b. Also, remove the grass at the base of the tree and replace it with 3 or 4 inches of bark chips that extend outward to a foot beyond the dripline, the imaginary line on the ground at the ranch tips.
RE shade:
Rig temporary shade by driving four tall uprights into the ground a foot beyond the dripline. Then, drape shade cloth on the tops of the stakes. (You can obtain shade cloth at local garden centers and big box stores. If not available, use an old sheet or old drapery.)
